Arsenal defenders: Who stays and who is sold?

Sell 5 – Pablo Mari, Hector Bellerin, Cedric, Sead Kolasinac, Calum Chambers

These five basically pick themselves, right? Some might say Cedric is a little unlucky but while proved he can fill in as an ok right-back, his age and the fact that he is often found wanting means Arsenal needs a bonafide option. Cedric is supremely 5/10 at most aspects.

Calum Chambers filled in well enough at stages last campaign, but his Premier League showing on Friday night was the final straw for many. Nuno Tavares could very well grab a starting debut against Chelsea in Arsenal’s next league game as he looked a much better threat going forward, making a series of exciting under and overlapping runs in his short time on the field.

Hector Bellerin has never been the same since his ACL injury, which sadly is just the way it goes with players sometimes. Too many mistakes at the back, highlighted by his pass in pre-season against Chelsea which found its way to Tammy Abraham to slot past Bernd Leno, poor defending in transition and minimal attacking output are just a few of the reasons he needs shifting. Arsenal has been trying hard to move on the Spaniard but so far, no luck.

Pablo Mari is another one who if an offer came in, Arsenal should take. He did have great spells last season but if Arsenal truly wants to improve defensively, then surely, he is not a part of the equation.

On Friday night, William Saliba would have been sitting back thinking he could have coped better. The 19-year-old is clearly a better option than a host of centre-backs Arsenal have and would be a great backup to Gabriel and Ben White. His ability to play at either side of central defence adds even more to the allure.

In an ideal world, all five players would be moved on this window. However, the reality is, most if not all will be with the team come September 1. One thing is for certain, improvements must be made and after Friday night’s effort, reinforcements have to come in before Arsenal play Chelsea.

If not, then Arteta will be in a perilous situation. He already is.